Why's The Light Not On?

I’ve driven by three Krispy Kreme Doughnut stores the last week at different times of day and I’ve noticed something. But before I go forward with this missive I need to give full disclosure here: I’m a Krispy Kreme fan, well, FANATIC. You don't want to know this or read this next line but it is the one and only “food” I know of that I could do this with. I could eat a dozen Krispy Kreme original hot doughnuts (I’ve done that) - be sick from them and then eat another dozen (I’ve not done that) - see I told you.

But I’ve noticed something. Lately when I’ve driven by the Hot Now sign, that beacon of hope in a world of despair, that light that draws me in like a moth, isn’t on. So, last night I stopped in (not to get some doughnuts) to ask. What is up? I mean you have the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You have utopia in a box. You have money in the bank! How in the world would you not use that? Why would the light not be on all the time? The line would be out the door and around the block!

I didn’t ask the pimple-faced young boy behind the counter, I didn’t figure it was his decision. And he seemed like a nice kid, who would probably wonder why some old guy was bugging him about something like that. So I just ordered some doughnuts (none of your business how many) and left.

Ha. Doughnuts.

They got nothin’! Church. We have the very “power of God to salvation,” “the good news,” “the name by which men may be saved,” that which will “turn the world upside down,” the hope of mankind, that which angels desired to see - WHY would we not have the light on all the time? Why do we waste way too much time debating peripheral matters taking our focus off the Good News? Why do we spend our energies on congregational infightings instead of uniting at the foot of the cross? Why do we harbor past hurts instead of moving forward with forgiveness?

So, let’s get out there into our community, our place of work, our school, our little league ball parks, our places of commerce, our part of the world and turn the light on! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14). Be like the Lord who “went around doing good” (Acts 10:38). Shine brightly in your spirit and your influence (Philippians 2:15 HCSB). The light of an invite? The light of making your place attractive? The light of seeing opportunities and grabbing them?

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

“We cannot be quiet. We must tell people about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20b ERV).

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation’” (Mark 16:15).